A body of South Carolina military now surround the arsenal
outside, however of the inclosure, but denying ingress or egress without countersign. The
officer in command disclaims any intention of occupancy, and the United States flag is
undisturbed. I await instructions.

F. C. HUMPHREYS.

CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S. C.,December 29, 1860.

Capt. WM. MAYNADIER, In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.:

SIR: I reported by telegraph on the 28th instant that this
arsenal was surrounded by a body of South Carolina militia, and that myself and the
command are not allowed to pass in or out without a countersign. Those in authority
disclaim any intention of occupying the post, nor do they molest the flag. I asked for
instructions, but have received none.
I protest (the disclaimer notwithstanding) that this post is to all
intents and purposes in the possession of the South Carolina troops, and also against the
indignity offered me as an officer of the United States Army, to say nothing of the
annoyance the entire command is subjected to by this measure.
I shall, therefore, unless otherwise instructed from the War
Department, make a formal protest against the posting of sentinels around this arsenal,
and request that they be removed, which, if denied, I shall consider an occupancy of it by
the State, and shall haul down my flag and surrender.
I respectfully submit that such a course is proper, and due to myself
and the position I occupy as commanding officer.

Abstract from muster-roll of F. C. Humphreys, military
storekeeper of ordnance, dated to include the 30th day of December, 1860.

Present: Brevet Col. Benjamin Huger, who assumed command
November 20, by order of the Secretary of War, and who was absent under orders from the
Adjutant-General's Office, dated December 1, 1860, and assumed his former duty at
Pikesville, Arsenal, by instructions of the Secretary of War, dated December 15, 1860.
F. C. Humphreys, military storekeeper, who resumed command of post
December 7, 1860. fourteen enlisted men.

F. C. HUMPHREYS, Military Storekeeper, U. S. Army.

CHARLESTON, S.C.,December 30, 1860.

Capt. MAYNADIER, In charge of Ordnance Bureau.

SIR: This arsenal has to-day been taken by force of arms. What disposition am I
to make of my command?

F. C. HUMPHREYS.

CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.December 31, 1860

Capt. WM. MAYNADIER, In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the correspondence relative
to the surrender of this post yesterday to the authorities of this State. Trusting that my
course may meet the approval of the Department,

SIR: I herewith demand an immediate surrender of the U. S.
Arsenal at this place and under your charge, and a delivery to me of the keys and contents
of the arsenals, magazines, &c.
I am already proceeding to occupy it with a strong armed detachment of
troops.
I make the demand in the name of the State of South Carolina and by
virtue of an order from its governor, a copy of which is inclosed.

SIR: In the morning, after reporting yourself to
Major-General Schneirle, and informing him of this order, you are directed to get from him
a detachment of select men, and in the most discreet and forbearing manner you will
proceed to the U. S. Arsenal in Charleston, and there demand, in my name, its entire
possession, and state distinctly that you do this with a view to prevent any destruction
of public property that may occur in the present excited state of the public mind, and
also as due to the public safety. You will then proceed to take, in the most systematic
manner, a correct inventory of everything in said arsenal, and the exact state of all
arms, &c.
You will read this order to Captain Humphreys, who is the United States
officer at the arsenal.
I do not apprehend any difficulty in giving up the same, but if
refused, then you are to take it, using no more force than may be absolutely necessary,
and with the greatest discretion and liberality to Captain Humphreys, who is at perfect
liberty to remain in his present quarters as long as it may be agreeable for himself, and
he is requested to do so. Report as soon as possible to me.

F. W. PICKENS.

CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,December 30, 1860.

Col. JOHN CUNNINGHAM, Seventeenth Regt. Inf., S.C. M.

SIR: I am constrained to comply with your demand for the
surrender of this arsenal, from the fact that I have no force for its defense. I do so,
however, solemnly protesting against the illegality of this measure in the name of my
Government.
I also demand, as a right, that I be allowed to salute my flag, before
lowering it, with one gun for each State now in the Union (32), and that my command be
allowed to occupy the quarters assigned them until instructions can be obtained from the
War Department.

What disposition shall I make of the detachment under my command? We are very
unpleasantly situated here.

F. C. HUMPHREYS, U. S. Army.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, January 2, 1861.

F. C. HUMPHREYS, U. S. Arsenal, Charleston, S.C.:

I want a report in detail of what has occurred; of the
present position and condition of your command and property; as regards quarters and other
accommodations, freedom of movement, and any statements or views in the matter that you
may deem proper for a full understanding.

W. MAYNADIER, Captain of Ordnance.

CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,January 3, 1861.

Capt. WM. MAYNADIER, In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.

SIR: I received your dispatch last night and sent a reply by
telegraph. I will now proceed to make a detailed report of the facts relative to the
surrender of this arsenal, which I should have done before but that my time has been fully
occupied in getting proper vouchers for the property recently in my charge.
On Sunday morning last Colonel Cunningham marched a strong detachment
of armed men into this arsenal (having several days before entirely surrounded it outside
of the inclosure) and demanded the surrender in the name of South Carolina and by order of
Governor Pickens. Having no force to make a defense, I surrendered under a protest, and
demanded the privilege of saluting my flag before lowering it and of taking it with me,
and that the command should occupy the quarters until instructions could be received from
the War Department, which was granted.
Soon after, the arsenal and magazine were both opened, and the property
has been constantly issued since--arms, ammunition, accouterments, &c.
Myself and men and our families are very unpleasantly situated. There
are some 200 men here constantly, and we are in actual danger from accident when so many
inexperienced persons are at every turn with loaded arms. Our movements are watched and
restricted, and I would earnestly request that we may be moved elsewhere. The times are so
unsettled that I have not issued to my command this month either subsistence or fuel--in
fact, we have no conveniences for anything, and all is confusion and turmoil.
I understand that all communication with Fort Sumter is cut off, and
that a barge with its men from that post has been captured at the city wharf and are held
in durance.